Different Yoga Teachers

Yoga teachers are not indestructible. Their bodies breakdown and they get sick, too. Sometimes they need a holiday or a break from teaching. When a teacher becomes unavailable to teach they must get a substitute teacher. The substitute is often doing a favor for the instructor and taking on an opportunity to teach a new group of students. The new instructor might be looking for further insight from a different group of students. Instruction is often a huge learning experience, too.

It is frustrating when you are planning to attend a class and your favorite instructor is not going to be available. Some students and instructors have specific time slots open to attending group practices. The set itinerary is what we want and can be easily frustrated when it is altered.

Are we still a yogi when we get frustrated about a change in our itinerary? The yoga class is still going to be available it is going to only have a different instructor. Have we become control freaks who do not want our time to be manipulated by someone we have not selected? So much anger can occur when a simple change occurs. Anger before a yoga class is never something that anyone really desires. Personally, I strongly dislike emotional waste and try my best not to get consumed by the change of instructor. Going with the flow and just being present is my yogic standpoint but it is a challenge on some occasions.

Finally, out of common courtesy the instructor should make an effort to alert his or her students if there is a substitute instructor. Some of us just need to get in a different mental framework in order to accept a new instructor. At the same time, yoga students need to return to their yoga roots. The idea of accepting each yoga practice which in turn will teach the calming of the chitta vritti.

Students pay money to attend most yoga classes. The money donated to each class can go a long way. The money is supporting the studios' bills. It is also, supporting the instructors ability to live and learn more about everyone's common interest, yoga. The yoga studio that I am a member of gives generously to the community and provides exceptionally cheap yoga classes. I am proud to teach and learn from the studio's community each day I walk through those doors.

If money is not the reason for frustration with the change in teacher than maybe it is important to search deeper for an answer. There are a million different ways a class can be instructed. Allowing exposure to different teachers and styles of yoga can only broaden your practice and mental state. If a particular teacher does not suit your fancy than choose a private or home practice where you can reach further into your own personal practice. There are so many benefits to practicing in a group setting and on your own. Enjoy the two worlds can only help you enlighten more people with your love and peace of mind. Relax it is just yoga.